This Scenic East Coast Escape In Maine With A Vibrant City And Seafood Is A Highly-Rated Place To Retire

Located between Portland and Bar Harbor is a quaint Maine County that offers retirees iconic New England maritime scenery, delicious food, four distinct seasons, and loads of outdoor fun. This is Knox County, a quiet area of the Mid-coast region with a total population of around 40,000 people. Ranked the fourth-best Maine county to retire to by Niche.com based on home prices, schools, health, and outdoor activities, this location has a lot to offer those in their golden years. Retirees will be glad to know that Knox County is very safe: on CrimeGrade, it has an overall score of A-, meaning crime rates here are well below the norm. The county is actually in the 80th percentile for safety!

Retirees should note, though, that this area gets a lot of snow in the winter and can be cold. They should plan accordingly: New England winters are notoriously rough. Because of that, retirees who move here should plan to own a car. Although areas of Rockland are walkable and bike-friendly, having a vehicle will also make it much easier to travel throughout Knox County's more rural areas. For retirees who need regular access to medical services, Knox County is home to Pen Bay Hospital and is only an hour and 40 minutes away from Portland's Maine Medical Center. To live in the Rockland area, retirees will need around $3,000 a month for a single person, making it more affordable than the national average. Those new to the area who want to make new friends can head to the Rockland Community & Resource Center, which offers group games like mahjong, art activities, walking groups, and more. The area has a strong sense of community, so once retirees break in, they're likely to make lasting connections.

With its art scene and waterfront trails, Rockland, Maine, is a great place for retirees flocking to Knox County. To see exactly why the city deserves its reputation as the "Arts Capital of Maine," retirees who love to get creative should check out the First Friday Art Walk. During the summer season, local art galleries have open houses on the first Friday of each month. Another artsy thing retirees can do in Rockland is to visit the Farnsworth Art Museum. Focusing on American art, this museum boasts a collection of 16,000 pieces, including many from Maine locals.

Those who are interested in history should head to the Sail Power and Steam Museum to learn more about Maine's robust maritime history. With exhibits on fishing, shipbuilding, steam engines, shipwrecks, and Maine's Windjammer fleet, retirees are sure to learn a lot on a day trip here. Another great way for retirees to become acquainted with the historical flavor of the area is to take a trip to the Maine Lighthouse Museum. Lighthouses are not only an iconic part of the New England aesthetic, but have been a vital part of maritime safety for generations. Retirees who visit this museum can see lighthouse artifacts like bells, lights, and flags. They can also visit the gift shop, which has lighthouse- and Maine-themed objects for sale that have been made by local artisans. To get further acquainted with the maritime culture of this area, retirees can walk the Rockland Harbor Trail, a 5-mile path that snakes around the city's harbor and downtown, offering excellent ocean views.

Nearby is the town of Rockport, Maine's Harbor "Town in the Middle," where retirees can relocate for more of a small-town vibe. Rockport is known for its outdoor activities, such as biking, sailing, hiking, and birdwatching. For example, visitors can head to Beech Hill Preserve to explore scenic trails that wind through Knox County's forests.

Retirees who decide to make Knox County, Maine, their permanent residence will discover that it is home to some great seafood. Positioned on the coastline, this area has easy access to the wealth of the sea. One great seasonal seafood place in Rockwell to find Maine seafood is Claws, a lobster shack that offers specialties like lobster rolls, chowders, fried clams, lobster mac and cheese, and local oysters. Retirees can enjoy their meal while they sit outdoors and take in great views of the boat-dotted waters of Rockland Harbor. While gazing out at the blue waves of the sea, patrons should keep a weather eye out for some of New England's most unique wildlife.

Another local seafood place is Hill's Seafood Co, which has both indoor and outdoor seating, ocean views, and a full bar. Seafood dishes served here include lobster rolls, clam rolls, fried clams, fish and chips, scallops, clam chowder, and lobster stew. Plus, it has options for retirees who want land options, like burgers, grilled cheese, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, and steak tips.

Seafood lovers who relocate to Knox County have to attend the annual summertime Maine Lobster Festival. Lasting five days, retirees can try the Pine Tree State's famous red lobsters, as well as other fruits of the sea, such as clams, various chowders, and mussels. They will also get to shop for local artwork, enjoy live entertainment, see various parades, and take part in the Fun Run, a race with multiple lengths. On top of that, visitors can watch or participate in the International Great Crate Race, where runners try to make it across a row of lobster crates floating in the harbor. Retirees with grandchildren may also enjoy watching the many children's events, such as the Children's Parade, Lobster Eating Contest, and more.